Ronaldo wore the No 28 shirt at his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon, but Sir Alex Ferguson insisted on wearing the hallowed No 7 shirt, previously worn by David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best, when he made the switch to Old Trafford in 2003.

The Portuguese legend described the Scot as his father in the game and credits United for being the place where he learned the art of football.

His rise to prominence in Manchester propelled United to an FA Cup, three Premier League titles in a row and a Champions League trophy.

“I remember when I left Lisbon for England, Alex Ferguson said to me "listen, I want you to take the No 7", Daily Mail quoted Ronaldo.

“I was surprised because I knew the guys who wore that shirt. I accepted the challenge, it was great.

“It was the beginning of my success in football. It was probably one of the most beautiful moments in my career so far,” he added.